Smith spares the blushes!

PGA North professionals were put in the shade by players from other regions in the IDS Overseas Pro-am in Portugal.

DAVID SMITH

Russell Berry, who is attached to Hereford-based company Golf Europe, topped a 25-strong field with a seven-under-par total after leading on the last three days.

He picked up five shots in in the first round at Laranjal to trail one behind Richard O’Hanlon, head pro at Cornwall club St Kew, but then seized the high ground at Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago and finally Oceanico as his nearest rival finished runner-up.

Swinton Park’s David Smith flew the flag for the hosts, coming up on the rails to share third spot with Kevin Taylor, from Peak District club Brailsworth.

Meanwhile, there’s another big field as PGA North remain on the Algarve for the Glenmuir Overseas Pro-am which starts at Oceanico on Monday then moves to Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago then Laranjal.